IT Examiner School

MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS IN AN EMERGENCY

The most difficult time to maintain good public and media relations is usually when there is an accident or emergency situation. Under such emergency circumstances, there will be persistent inquiries from the news media, from friends and relatives of employees, and from other interested persons.

Some examples of emergencies likely to be of urgent interest to the media include. • Explosions or fires • Natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods. • Extortion attempts • Bomb threats • A major accident involving company vehicles or aircraft. • Deaths and serious injuries at work.

At all times, it is the Bank’s policy to cooperate with the news media, providing accurate and complete information in as timely a manner as possible. The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank is responsible for all information or statements that are disclosed or released to the public.

For any emergency involving property or equipment of the Bank, or injury or death to employees, the branch or employee reporting the incident should notify the following personnel immediately:

• Disaster Recovery Coordinator • President and CEO

All contact from news media for information shall be referred to the Branch Manager. The Branch manager who has received authorization (generally or specifically) from the President/CEO to represent the bank may act as the official spokesperson but shall limit his or her comments as much as possible.

For example, the Branch Manager’s initial statement should briefly state: • WHAT happened • Where it happened • When it happened (date and time) • The Bank and authorities are investigating details. • We will inform the media and public as soon as further details are known.

Verify Employee Phone and Address. Prior to any employee’s leaving, verify with the employee that you have an address and phone number where he or she can be reached. Use the Personnel List (see Appendix) for verification. Make any necessary changes to the list for this disaster as needed.